As mentioned, the implementation language will by Python, based off the Python 1.52 free downloadable. The issues will use XML as a data format. These constraints are in place because YakTrack will be submitted as an entry in the Software Carpentry design competition, which mandates the use of Python 1.52; the use of XML is mandated to prompt an exploration of XML as a technology (in addition to allowing the use of XML tools and existing libraries in development). It should not rely on any particular command line implementation, such as a particular unix shell, etc. Note: one script, used to set the environment for the email gateway, is in fact implemented in the unix shell. This can probably be implemented similarly under Windows, and is not necessary unless the user desires the email gateway features.